What are California’s age of consent laws relating to child molestation?

Under the law, anyone under the age of 18 is considered under the age of consent under California law. What this means is that sexual relations between an adult and an individual younger than 18 years of age is a criminal offense under California law. However, the penalties and charges associated with child molestation can vary based on a number of different factors, including the age of the child and the difference in age between child and adult.